THE COIN ZOO

COINS WITH ANIMALS

RECTANGULAR
COINS OF AUCKLAND ISLANDS AND CAMPBELL ISLANDS

The Auckland Islands and Campbell Islands are uninhabited possession of
New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles south of New
Zealand. Both are wet, cool and cloudy. They were
discovered independently in the early 19th century and immediately
became bases for seal hunting, until the seals were all killed
off. Whalers also used the islands during the 19th century.
In 1842 a group Maori and their slaves captured from Chatham Islands
migrated to Auckland Island and survived there for 20 years. In 1849 a
group of British colonists attempted to settle on Auckland Island,
however the settlement was abandoned less than three years later due to
the harsh climate and lack of whaling. An attempt was made to
farm sheep on Campbell island from 1896 to 1931, when it was abandoned
because of the Great Depression. A manned weather station was
operated on Campbell Island until 1995 when it was replaced by an
automated station. Unofficial rectangular 10 Dollar coins
dated 2017 have been issued for the islands, The
obverses features Queen Elizabeth, the name of the islands and the
date. The reverse of the Auckland Islands coin depicts two
New Zealand Sea Lions (Phocarctos hookeri). The reverse of
the Campbell Islands coin features a pair of Black Cormorants
(Phalacrocorax carbo). The rectangular coins measure 40mm x
25mm and have a mintage of only 200 pieces each.

AUSTRALIA 2016
SILVER KOOKABURRA

The
Perth Mint of Australia continued their popular Kookaburra
program. Each year features a different design depicting a
Kookaburra bird. The 2016 issue depicts a Kookaburra sitting
on a fence post wrap. The obverse features the Ian
Rank-Broadley of Queen Elizabeth. The 1 troy ounce
.999 fine silver coin is legal tender for 1 Dollar in
Australia. It has a maximum mintage of just 500,000
pieces. The Brilliant Uncirculated 40.6mm
coin comes in a protective capsule.

AUSTRALIA
2016 YEAR OF THE
MONKEY SILVER
COINS

The
Perth Mint of Australia celebrated the Year of the Monkey with these
two attractive 2016 dated silver coins. Both coins feature
the same design. The reverses depict an adult
monkey and a baby monkey sitting in a peach tree. The baby is holding a
peach, which is symbolic of longevity and immortality. The Chinese
character for ‘monkey’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Monkey’ also
appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’
mintmark. The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy
of Queen Elizabeth II. The 1 troy ounce 1 Dollar
coin is 45mm in diameter. The ½ troy ounce 50 cent coin is
36mm in diameter. Both are struck in .999 fine silver and
come in a capsule.

AUSTRALIA
2014 CROCODILE DOLLAR

The
Australian Saltwater Crocodile is featured on the reverse of this 2014
Australian silver dollar coin. The Australian Saltwater
Crocodile is one of the largest reptiles in the world. Males
can reach over 20 feet (6.3m) in length and weigh over 3000 Pounds
(1360 kg). It is capable of taking almost any animal that enters its
territory, including humans. Despite its name, it can be found in
fresh, brackish or ocean water. The obverse features the Ian-Rank
Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The 40.6mm coin
contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver. The coin features
a beautiful reverse frosted matte finish. The Queen and the
Crocodile brilliant finish while the background areas have a frosted
finish. The coin was struck at the Perth Mint in Australia
and has a mintage of 1 million pieces. It was the first in an
annual series featuring Australian wildlife (the 2015
Funnel Web Spider was the second in the series).

ANIMALS
ON ATTRACTIVE
AUSTRALIAN COIN SET

This six coin set from Australia features that nation’s unusual native
wildlife. The 12-sided 50 cents features a kangaroo and emu
supporting the nation’s arms. A duckbill platypus is on the
20 cents. The 10 cents features a lyrebird. A spiny
anteater, also known as an echidna, is on the 5
cents. A frill-necked lizard is on the 2 cents. The
1 cent depicts the tiny feather-tailed glider. All six coins
date between 1978 and 1980 and feature the Arnold Machin portrait of
Queen Elizabeth on the obverse. The coins are Uncirculated.

BRASS ELEPHANT
COIN FROM THE BELGIAN CONGO

This brass 1 Franc coin of the Belgian Congo (now the Congo Democratic Republic)
features a striding elephant. First issued in 1944, during
World War II, it was also struck in 1946 and 1949. It is
19.2mm in diameter. The coin is always popular with coin
collectors and elephant lovers.

Item
BECON1F BELGIAN CONGO 1 FRANC 1944-49
ELEPHANT KM26 Fine $3.00

BEARS
FROM BOSNIA

A
mother black bear and her cub are featured on this 38.6mm copper-nickel
500
Dinars coin dated 1994 from Bosnia-Herzegovina. The attractive
non-circulating legal tender coin was one of the first coins issued
after Bosnia-Herzegovina achieved independence in 1992. The
obverse features the Bosnian coat-of-arms and the famous Stari Most
(Old Bridge) in Mostar. The bridge across the Neretva River
was built in the 16th century by the Ottomans. It was destroyed in 1993
by Croat forces and rebuilt and reopened in 2004.

2017
WHALES
AND SEALS
FROM BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

British Antarctic Territory released three 2017 coins featuring
Antarctic animals. A Southern Right Whale is featured on a
copper-nickel 2 Pounds coin. The whales tend to be curious
towards human vessels. This did not help their survival as
they were once widely hunted. Since 1937 hunting has been
illegal and the species is recovering. The male Southern
Right Whale holds the world record for the largest testicles of any
animal, each one weighing over half a ton (500kg.)
A Crabeater Seal is featured on a copper-nickel 2 Pounds and a blue
titanium 2 Pounds coins. Both coins have the same design
featuring a mother seal
and her pup resting on the pack ice while the father leaves to
hunt.. Despite its name does not feed on crabs. Its
diet does include other crustaceans such as Krill which the seal, with
their specially adapted sieve like teeth, are very proficient at
hunting. The Crabeater Seal is by far the world’s most abundant seal
and there are well over 7 million individuals. They can reach
speeds of 16 mph (26kph) on land over short distances. In the water
they can swim at speeds of up to 7mph (12kmh) and cover over
37 miles (60km) in a day. They congregate on the ice in groups of up to
1,000 individuals and in the water can be found swimming in unison in
groups of several hundred.
The copper-nickel 2 Pound coins are 38.6mm in diameter and have a
mintage of 10,000 each. The titanium 2 Pounds is 36.1mm, has
a mintage of 7,500 pieces and comes in a presentation box with a
Certificate of Authenticity.

EMPEROR PENGUINS
ON 2016 OF BRITISH ANTARCTIC
TERRITORY

Emperor Penguins are featured on this 2016 dated
copper-nickel 2 Pound coin of the British Antarctic
Territory. The Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin
species, up to 48 inches (122 cm.) tall and weighing up to 100 pounds
(45kg.). The remarkable penguin treks 30 to 75 miles (50 –
100km.) over the Antarctic ice to breeding colonies. It can
dive as deep as 1750 feet (535m.) and remain submerged up to 18
minutes. Both the copper-nickel and blue titanium versions
have the same design featuring a group of Emperor Penguins swimming in
the Antarctic waters with other penguins sliding into the ocean from an
ice pack. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. The
coin is 38.6mm in diameter and is Uncirculated.

2015 BRITISH
ANTARCTIC TERRITORY DOLPHIN COIN

The
Hourglass Dolphin is named for its distinctive black and white
pattern. The small, compact dolphin inhabits the waters
around Antarctica. It is a keen bow-wave rider and often
approaches boats from a distance at great speed. A pair of
Hourglass Dolphins is depicted on this copper-nickel 2 Pounds coin
issued for the British Antarctic Territory The Ian Rank-Broadley
portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. The 38.6mm
coin has a mintage limit of 50,000 coins and is Brilliant
Uncirculated. The stunning coin continues the series of coins
showing the wonderful animals of this frozen Territory.

A pair of Green Turtles swimming beneath the waves are featured on
these 2017 2 Pound coins of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The
British Indian Ocean Territory consists of the 55 islands of the Chagos
Archipelago. It is the home of a large United States military base
which is located on Diego Garcia. The coin was struck in 2
metals, both with the same design. The green titanium version
is 36.1mm in diameter, weighs 10 grams, comes in a box with a
Certificate
of Authenticity and has a mintage of 7500 pieces. It is the first
Titanium coin issued for the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The copper-nickel version is 38.5mm and has a mintage of 10,000
pieces. Both are Brilliant Uncirculated and feature Queen
Elizabeth on the obverse.

FLAMINGO
COIN FROM BRITISH
VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands released a 2015 dated copper-nickel 1 Dollar
coin
featuring flamingos. The attractive
coin depicts a flamingo wading in shallow water, with some of its
favorite snacks shown just below the surface. A flock of
flamingos is in the background and the bright sun
overhead. The 38.6mm copper-nickel coin depicts the Ian
Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen
Elizabeth is on the obverse.

BEAUTIFUL
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2017 WILDLIFE COINS

The British Virgin Islands released attractive new 2017 1 Dollar coins
featuring native wildlife. One depicts a hummingbird.
The
other features a Marlin leaping from the ocean. The 38.6mm
copper-nickel coins have a mintage of just 10,000 each.
released 2017 wildlife coins
in both titanium and copper-nickel. Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. The coins are Brilliant Uncirculated.

SHARKS
ON 2016 TITANIUM COINS OF BRITISH VIRGIN
ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands released 2016 coins depicting two
different sharks: the Lemon Shark and the Great White Shark. The Lemon
Shark is a stocky and powerful animal often found in shallow
subtropical waters. The shark’s yellow coloring serves as a
perfect camouflage when swimming over the sandy sea floor of its
coastal habitat. The Great White Shark is a species of large
shark which can be found in the coastal waters of all the major
oceans. The lifespan of great white sharks is estimated to be
as long as 70 years or more making it one of the longest lived fish
currently known. It has no natural predators other than the
Orca. The coin shows an underwater scene looking up at the
Great White Shark. Both designs were struck in colored
titanium. The titanium coins are
denominated as 5 Dollars, are 36.1mm in diameter, but weigh only 10
grams (about a third of an ounce). They have a
mintage of only 5000 pieces each and come in a capsule and presentation
box with a Certificate of Authenticity. The Lemon Shark coin
is struck in yellow titanium. The Great White Shark is struck
in Turquoise Titanium. Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse.

SILVER
EIGHT DOLLAR COIN FROM CANADA FEATURES POLAR BEAR

Canada
issued this silver 8 dollar coin in 2013. The unusual
denomination coin contains 1.5 troy ounces of .9999 fine
silver. The thick, 38mm coin depicts a polar bear walking on
an ice flow on one side and Queen Elizabeth on the other. It
is an attractive, odd denomination coin.

CA-$8
CANADA 8 DOLLARS 2013, POLAR BEAR KM1535
BU $59.50

DOGS
& MULTI COLOR CANARY ON CANARY ISLANDS COIN

The Canary Islands is a Spanish
possession in the Atlantic Ocean about
60 miles (100km.) west of Morocco. The name of the islands is
derived from its Latin name "Canariae
Insulae", meaning "Islands
of the
Dogs". The song bird is named after he
islands. One
side of this 2017 dated 200 Pesetas coin features a multi-color
Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria), which is native to the
islands. The other side features the islands' coat-of-arms
supported by two dogs and the names of the major islands in the
chain. This silver-plated Proof coin is 40mm in diameter and
has a mintage of only 200 pieces.

Item
CANARY CANARY ISLANDS 200 PESETAS 2017,
MULTI-COLOR PROOF $25.00

CHINESE
SILVER PANDAS

China continued their acclaimed silver Panda series with this
attractive 2016 issue. Each year features a different design
featuring a cute giant Panda. The 2017 issue depicts a panda
holding its favorite food - a bamboo branch. The obverse
features the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a Taoist temple complex
constructed in the early 1400's. Starting in 2016 China went "metric"
with the Panda, changing the weight from 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams)
to 30 trams. All the coins are struck in .999 fine silver,
has a nominal value of 10 Yuan. The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coin
comes in a protective capsule. We also have some previous issues in
this popular series.

SILVER
SILVERBACK GORILLA CONGO COIN

A
fierce silverback gorilla letting out a loud roar is featured on this
2017 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 5000 Francs of the Congo
Republic. The arms of the Congo, supported by two elephants
is on the obverse. The name silverback does not refer to the
species, but rather is the mature, experienced male leader of a troop
of gorillas. Silverbacks can grow to be over 6 feet (180cm) and weigh
as much as 350 pounds (160kg.). The 38.6mm coin has a mintage
of only 75,000 pieces.

Item
GG-GORILLA CONGO REPUBLIC 5000 FRANCS 2017
GORILLA BU $28.00

YOUNG
DEER ON ESTONIAN COIN

Estonia
issued this 26.2mm brass 5 Krooni in 1993 not long after regaining
independence from the Soviet Union. It commemorates the 75th
anniversary of Estonia's initial 1918 Declaration of Independence.
In 1939 the Soviet Union invaded and forciably annexed it
into the U.S.S.R. Germany occupied Estonia during most of
World War II. Estonia finally regained its independence upon
the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The coin pictures a young
deer on one side and the Estonian arms that feature three stylized
lions on the other. The coin catalogs $7.50, however our price is MUCH
less.

Item
EE-29 ESTONIA 5 KROONI 1993 DEER KM29 BU
$3.00

PATAGONIAN TOOTHFISH ON TITANIUM
& COPPER-NICKEL FALKLAND COINS

To commemorate 30 years of its sustainable fishery practices the
Falkland Islands issued 1 crown coins in blue titanium and
copper-nickel depicting a Patagonian Toothfish. The Patagonian
Toothfish is a type of cod that lives in the cold waters around the
Falklands. It can grow to be over 7 1/2 feet (2.3m) and over
220 pounds (100kg.). It is sold in restaurants and
fishmarkets as Chilean Seabass, which sounds much more
appetizing. The copper-nickel (CN) 1 Crown is 38.6mm in
diameter and has a mintage of 10,000. The
blue titanium 1 Crown is 36.1mm in diameter, has a mintage of 7,500
pieces and comes in a presentation box with a Certificate of
Authenticity. Both coins have the same design, are dated 2017
and feature Queen Elizabeth on the obverse. Both coins are
Brilliant Uncirculated.

UNUSUAL
CUT-OUT COIN FROM GAGAUZ REPUBLIC FEATURES WOLF

The
Gagauz are Turkish-speaking Orthodox Christians living in southern
Moldava. There are numerous theories concerning their
origins. After the collapse of the Soviet Union the Gagauz Republic
attempted to become independent from Moldava. They were
eventually granted a large degree of autonomy within Moldava, though
there are still many Gaguz who strive for full independence.
This 2017 dated 100 Lei of the Gagauz Republic is a most unusual
coin. The design features a cut out of a wolf, the national
symbol of Gagauzia, howling at the moon. The national arms are depicted
on one side, and the denomination is on the other. The 40mm
silver-plated coin has a mintage of only 200 pieces. It is a
highly unusual coin from a little-known location.

Item
GAGAUZ GAGAUZ REPUBLIC 100 LEI 2017 WOLF
CUTOUT BU $27.00

2017
SILVER
LEOPARD FROM GHANA

A
crouching leopard hidden in the grass and ready to pounce, is featured
on this 2017 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 5 Cedi of
Ghana. The obverse features an unusual leopard skin pattern
embedded behind the bust of Queen Elizabeth II. The 38.6mm
coin has a mintage of only 50,000 pieces and comes in a plastic
capsule. It is an attractive new issue.

HEARD
AND McDONALD ISLANDS COIN DEPICTS FAMILY OF PENGUINS

Heard
and McDonald Islands are a group of isolated, cold, windy and barren
islands in the south Indian Ocean. They are an Australian
external territory located over 2,500 miles (4,099km) southwest of
Perth. In the 19th century a small number of whalers and
sealers inhabited the islands, however today they are
uninhabited. The reverse of this 2014 Heard and McDonald 5
Dollar coin features a family of penguins. Queen Elizabeth is
on the obverse. The silver-plated Proof coin is
40mm in diameter and has a mintage of only 200 pieces.

Item
HEARD HEARD & McDONALD IS. 5 DOLLARS
2014, PROOF $22.00

PIGS
& CHICKENS FROM IRELAND

This
two-coin set from Ireland includes the 1/2 Penny depicting a sow and
her piglets and a Penny depicting a hen and her chicks. Both coins are
bronze and both feature an Irish Harp on the obverse. The
designs were selected by a committee headed by Irish poet William
Butler Yeats. The 1/2 Penny is dated 1966 and the Penny is
dated 1964. Both are Uncirculated.

Item
IE-SET2 IRELAND 1/2 & 1 PENNY
1964-66 KM10 &
KM11 UNC. $4.50

KITTY CATS ON PARADE

Each year, from 1988 and 2016 the Isle of Man (home of the
Manx cat) issued a 1 Crown coin featuring a different breed of
cat. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of the coins. The
series apparently came to an end after the Pobjoy Mint lost the contact
to strike coins for the Isle of Man. The 38.6mm copper-nickel
coins are popular with both cat lovers and coin collectors.
The coins are pictured in order starting with the latest issue in the
top left going down to the
the
first 1988 issue at the bottom. Hold
your
pointer over the coin to see which the cat and the year.

CUTE HEDGEHOG ON KAZAKHSTAN COIN

A
cute hedgehog is featured on both sides of this 2013 Kazakhstan 50 Tenge coin.
One side displays the face of the hedgehog staring out at you. The other
features the hedgehog curled up in a ball. The coin is 31mm in diameter and is
brilliant Uncirculated.

Item KZ-50T-HHOG KAZAKHSTAN
50 TENGE 2013 HEDGEHOG UNC. $5.00

OLD,
UNCIRCULATED ELEPHANT HALF CENT FROM LIBERIA

A
striding elephant is featured on the obverse of this Uncirculated 1941
1/2 Cent coin from Liberia. The reverse features the arms of
Liberia which includes an African oil palm, sailing ship and the rising
sun. The 18mm coin was struck in the United States at the
Philadelphia mint and has a mintage of 250,000 pieces.
Liberia
was settled by freed American slaves starting in 1822. In
1847
they formed the Republic of Liberia, Africa's first republic.
Its
government and flag was modeled after that of the United
States.
It is
an attractive old, high-grade animal coin at a reasonable price.

Item LR-10
LIBERIA 1/2 CENT 1941 KM10a BU $3.00

FIRST COIN
OF MADAGASCAR FEATURES ROOSTER

In
1943 Madagascar issued its first coins, including this bronze 50
Centimes. After Germany invaded France in World War II, the
French colony of Madagascar declared its allegiance to Free France
rather than submit to German rule. It arranged to have coins
struck at the South African mint. The coin includes a number of
patriotic French symbols in order to emphasize their independence from
the Germans. The obverse features a rooster, the national
symbol of France, a shield with the letters “RF” for “Republique
Francaise”, and the name of the colony. The reverse shows a
Patriarchal Cross and the French mottos “Liberte Egalite, Fraternite”
and “Honneur, Patrie”.

Item
MG-50C MADAGASCAR 50 CENTIMES 1943 KM1 VF
$5.00

ANIMALS
ON THE FIRST COINS OF MALI

Mali
gained independence from France in 1960. In 1961 it
issued its first coins for circulation: these 5, 10 and 25
Francs. The 5 Francs depicts the head of a hippopotamus, a
head of a horse is on the 10 Francs, and a Lion’s head is on the 25
Francs. The reverses of the coins have the
denomination and leaves. All three coins are Brilliant
Uncirculated and are now difficult to obtain.

Item
ML-SET3 MALI 3 COIN SET 5, 10 & 25
FRANCS, 1961 KM2-4 BU
$15.00

UNUSUAL
MONGOLIAN "CUTOUT" OWL COIN

This
unusual coin depicts the cutout image of a powerful Eagle Owl perched
high on a branch, watching a full moon rising. Unlike most
coins, the image is cut through the metal rather than impressed onto
the metal. The obverse of this 2016 Mongolian 500
Togrog coin includes the date, denomination and arms of
Mongolia. The 38.61mm coin is struck in sterling silver and
is gold plated. The coin has a mintage of just 2500 pieces
and is sold out at the mint. The attractive coin comes in a
custom metal box with a Certificate of Authenticity. The coin is an
interesting piece of minimalist modern art coin design.
The
Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) is one of the world's largest species of owl and
is widely found in Mongolia. The owl is easily recognizable by its ear
tufts, its plumage in shades of brown and its orange-yellow eyes.
Making almost no sound as it flies, the Eagle-Owl hunts small rodents,
like rats and mice, but also pigeons and other birds at night. Sat on
branches or in caves, the animals spend their days mostly asleep. Eagle
Owls find nesting sites in rock crevices, sometimes also in eyries that
have been vacated by other birds. There, they hatch up to 5 eggs and
take care of the offspring for a period of 5 months. For the young
birds, foxes and martens are particularly dangerous, while the adult
birds have virtually no natural enemies. For centuries humans
persecuted Eagle-Owls, which were regarded as hunting rival. Today,
however, its population remains stable thanks to comprehensive
protective measures.

Item
MN-OWL MONGOLIA 500 TOGROG 2016 OWL "CUTOUT"
COIN BU $99.50

PRETTY
MULTI-COLOR SILVER COIN DEPICTS AN UGLY ANIMAL

This
sterling silver Proof Mongolian 500 Tugrik depicts a multi-color image
of a Mongolian Saiga Antelope (Saiga Tatarica Mongolica). The
horned animal features an overly-large distinctive nose.
During summer the huge nose helps filter out dust and cools the
animal's blood. In winter it heats up the frigid air before it is taken
to the lungs. The animal has had vast swings in its
population. During the last ice-age it ranged from the
British Isles, through Central Asia and into Alaska and the
Yukon. By the 1920’s it was almost exterminated, however it
was able to recover by the 1950’s. The population collapsed
again after the fall of the Soviet Union due to uncontrolled hunting
and the demand for its horns in Chinese medicine. Disease has
taken a further toll and today it is Critically
Endangered. The 2011 dated coin features the arms
of Mongolia and the denomination on the obverse. The 38.61mm
coin weights 25 grams and has a mintage of just 2500 pieces.
It comes in a capsule with a certificate of
Authenticity. It is an attractive coin depicting an
ugly animal.

RARE
KAGU BIRD ON FIRST COIN OF NEW CALEDONIA

In
1949 the French colony of New Caledonia issued its first coins.
France took possession of the Pacific islands in 1853, after
the natives ate a group of French missionaries and members of a French
survey team. The following year France established a penal
colony there. The first coins for New Caledonia were not
until almost 100 years late, in 1949. One of the first coins
issued was this aluminum 50
Centimes. The coin features a seated figure of
Maranne, the national symbol of France on the reverse, and a Kagu bird
on the obverse. The Kagu is a rare, nearly flightless bird
that is only found in New Caledonia.

Item
NC-1
NEW CALEDONIA 50 CENTIMES 1949 KM1 UNC. $3.00

ATTRACTIVE
NIUE DOLLAR DEPICTS SWORD FISH

This
attractive 38.6mm copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin from the Pacific Island
nation of Niue depicts a Sword Fish on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth
on the obverse. Captain James Cook named the island Savage
Island in 1774, because of the hostility of the natives.
British missionaries began to arrive in the 1830’s and eventually the
islanders were converted to Christianity. Today Niue is a
self-governing nation that is in association with New Zealand, which
handles its defense and foreign affairs. The British monarch is the
head of state. It has a population of less than 3000 and an area of
about 100 square miles.

Item
NU-1D10 NIUE 1 DOLLAR 2010 BU $12.00

BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS ON
MULTI-COLOR STERLING SILVER PALAU COIN

A
colorful Blue-Ringed Octopus is featured on this
multi-colored silver Proof 2012 Palau Marine Life Protection 5 Dollar
coin. Though the Octopus is small, reaching a maximum length
of about 50mm (2 inches) it is one of the deadliest animals in the
world. Its bite can cause death within minutes. The males
will attempt copulation with members of their own species regardless of
sex or size, and dies after successfully mating. The female
stops eating after laying her eggs. She incubates the eggs under her
arms for approximately six months then dies shortly after the eggs
hatch. The 38.6mm coin features a multi-color image of the
Octopus one side. Neptune with an upraised trident and two mermaids at
his feet is on the other. The sterling
silver Proof 5 Dollar coin has a mintage of just 1500
pieces and comes in a capsule with a Certificate of Authenticity.

20th
ANNIVERSARY PAPUA-NEW GUINEA MINT SET FEATURES WILDLIFE

The Bank of Papua New Guinea released this official 6 coin packaged
mint set to celebrate the countries 20th anniversary of independence in
1995. The 1995 dated coins feature native wildlife.
The 1 Kina features Sea and River Crocodiles swimming around the center
hole of the coin. A Cassowary, a large flightless bird, is on
the 20 Toea. The 10 toea shows a cuscus, a large marsupial
"monkey". A Plateless Turtle is on the 5 Toea. The
2 Toea shows the ornate butterfly cod fish and a Butterfly is on the 1
Toea. The reverse of each of the coins features an
outstretched Bird of Paradise, which is the natinal emblem of the
country. The Brilliant Uncirculated coins were struck Royal Canadian
Mint and come in a descriptive folder.

Item
PNG-SET95 PAPUA NEW GUINEA OFFICIAL 1995 SIX
COIN WILDLIFE MINT SET $14.00

ANIMALS
COINS FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Native animals and plants are featured on this 5 coin, 1989 set from
the Philippines. The 1 Sentimo pictures a Voluta imperialis shell one
the reverse and Lapu-Lapu, a 16th century native ruler who resisted the
Spanish is on the obverse. The 5 Sentimos pictures a
Wailing-Wailing orchid on the reverse. The obverse depicts
Melchora Aquino, who at the age of 84, fought in the 1898 Philippine
Revolution against the Spanish. The 10 Sentimos features a
Dwarf Pygmy goby, one of the smallest fish in the world, and the head
of Francisco Baltasar, a 19th century Filipino poet. The 25
Sentimos pictures a butterfly and Juan Luna, a 19th Filipino artist and
political activist. The 1 Piso depicts a Tamaraw Bull and
national hero Jose Rizal, who was executed by the Spanish in
1896. The five coin set catalogs over $9, however
our price is much less.

POPULAR POLAND WILDLIFE COINS

Poland regularly
issues a 27mm
“Nordic gold” (brass alloy) 2
Zlote
honoring native endangered wildlife. The
attractive coins are always popular with collectors.The
2014 issue features the Konik Horse. The Konik Horse is a small, hardy,
semi-feral horse that originated in Poland. The European
Bison (Zubr) is on the 2013 issue. . The European Bison was
hunted to
extinction in the wild in the early 20th Century. Since then
it has been reintroduced from captivity. In the past,
especially during the Middle Ages, it was commonly killed for its hide,
and to produce drinking horns. No wildlife coins
were issued for 2012. The 2011
issues featurew the European Badger. The 2010
issues feature the Lesser Horse-shoe
Bat. It is one of the world’s smallest
bats, weighing only 5 to 9 grams (less than a third of an ounce) and is
less
than a 44mm long (under 2 inches). Both
the coins picture the bat in flight. The 2009
issues feature the Green Lizard. The arms of Poland featuring a
stylized crowned
eagle is on the obverse of each coin.

DANCING ELEPHANTS
&
KISSING GIRAFFES FROM RHODESIA & NYASALAND

Great
Britain issued a joint coinage for their African colonies of Rhodesia
and Nyasaland. The attractive coins feature native
wildlife. The 1958 1/2 Penny shows two giraffes that appear
to be kissing, while the 1962 1 Penny features a pair of dancing
elephants! The reverses have the name of the colonies, denomination and
date. Both coins are bronze and have a center hole so they
could be strung together by natives who often did not have pockets.
Rhodesia & Nyasaland is now the independent countries of
Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabawe.
Both coins
are Uncirculated.

Item
R+N-SET2 RHODESIA & NYASALAND 1/2
& 1
PENNY 1958,1962 UNC.
$9.50

LION ON
SCARCE, SHORT-LIVED
COIN OF RWANDA-BURUNDI

After
Belgian Congo gained its independence in 1960, Belgium issued a coin
for what was left of its African territories: Rwanda and
Burundi. Only a single coin type was issued for the
joint territory of Rwanda-Burundi: a brass 1 Franc. This
brass 1961 brass 1 Franc coin features a walking lion on one
side. The other has the names of the territories and the
denomination. In 1962 Rwanda
and Burundi
were both granted independence

Item
RWBU-1F RWANDA-BURUNDI 1 FRANC 1961 KM1 UNC. $6.00

UNUSUAL MULTI-COLOR COIN OF
SAUMAREZ REEF FEATURES OCTOPUS

Saumarez
Reef is a large system of reefs in the Coral Sea with sand
cays located on the north-east and south-west ends. The
Australia territory is popular with divers and recreational
fishermen. An unusual 2017 dated unofficial multi-colored
"pie slice" shaped 10 Dollar coin was issued for this tiny entity. The
reverse features a multi-colored image of a Blue-ringed octopus
(Hapalochlaena). The small octopus (5 to 8 in, 12 to 15 cm.)
is one of the world's most venomous marine animals. Its bite
is tiny and often painless, however can cause death in a human within
minutes from suffocation due to paralysis of the diaphragm.
There is no antivenom. The obverse depicts Queen
Elizabeth The odd-shaped silver-plated Proof coin is 46mm x
34mm and has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

Item
SAUMAREZ SAUMAREZ REEF 10 DOLLARS 2017,
MULTI-COLOR PROOF $25.00

ATTRACTIVE ENDANGERED
PRIMATE COINS FROM SIERRA LEONE

This complete three year set features six attractive 38.6mm
copper-nickel Sierra Leone 1 Dollar coins depicting endangered
primates. The 2009 issues include the Capuchin Monkey and the
Diana Monkey. The 2010 issues feature the Orangutan and the
Chimpanzee. The Agile Gibbon and the Mountain Gorilla are on
the 2011 coins. The Sierra Leone arms is on the
obverse.

WILDLIFE FEATURED
ON OBSOLETE COINS OF SLOVENIA

With the introduction of the Euro, Slovenia's attractive wildlife coins
are now obsolete and are being withdrawn from circulation. All six of
the Tolar denominated coins feature native wildlife. The 10 Stotinov
pictures an Olm salamander, an unusual blind aquatic salamander found
in the caves of Slovenia. A barn owl is on the 20 Stotinov. A bee is on
the 50 Stotinov. The 1 Tolar features salmon, the 2 Tolar shows a
swallow in flight, an ibex is on the 5 Tolar, the 10 Tolar shows a
horse,and the 20 Tolar pictures a stork. It is an
attractive animal coin set. The coins date from 1992 to 2005 and are
Uncirculated.

ELEPHANT COIN FROM
ITALIAN TRUST
TERRITORY OF SOMALIA

From 1950 to 1960 Italy
administered
the United Nations Trust Territory of Somalia. It consisted of the
former Italian Somaliland, which is now the southern and eastern
portions of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
This 25mm copper
5 Centesimi was minted in 1950 for use in the territory. The
obverse features an elephant head. The reverse has the date,
denomination and mint name “ROMA” in unusually large letters for a mint
mark.

Item
SO-2 SOMALIA 5 CENTESIMI 1950 KM2
BU $10.00

2013
SOMALIA COINS FEATURE AFRICAN WILDLIFE

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African wildlife is featured on this 2013 five coin set of
Somalia. The 38.6mm copper-nickel 100 Shillings features a
lion. An Elephant is on the bi-metallic 50
Shillings. A leopard is on the 20 Shillings. The 10
Shillings pictures a Rhinoceros. A Cape Buffalo is on the 5
Shillings. The obverse features the arms of the Somali
Republic. All coins are Brilliant Uncirculated. It is an
attractive set.

Item
SO-SET2013 SOMALIA 5 WILDLIFE COIN SET 2013,
BU $19.50

2017 SOMALIA
SILVER ELEPHANT

A
trumpeting elephant with an upraised trunk is featured on 2017 1 troy
ounce .9999 fine silver 100 Shillings of Somalia. Above it the sun is
rising over a palm tree and a hut. The obverse features the
Somalia arms supported by two leopards. It is an attractive
38.6mm silver coin honoring African wildlife. You should pack
away some of these popular pachyderms.

CHINESE
ZODIAC ON SOMALIA COINS

Somalia issued a set of twelve
25mm
copper-nickel 10 Shilling coins dated 2000, showing each of the twelve
animals
of the Chinese
Zodiac. Each of the coin shows one of the animals and lists
the
birth
years for the past century of those that fall under the influence of
that
animal. Included are the Year of the Rat , Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon,
Snake,
Horse Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. It is an
interesting
and attractive set featuring 12 different animals.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands released attractive 2017 dated
2 Pound coins featuring native sea life. One coin features a
male and female Elephant Seal sitting on a beach. The seal gets its
name from its great size and the large inflatable proboscis of the
adult males, which is used to make extraordinarily loud roaring noises,
especially during the mating season. The coin was struck
green titanium and copper nickel. Another coin features a
Blue Whale mother and her calf. Blue whales are the largest
animals ever known to have lived on Earth. These magnificent marine
mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons.
Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant. Their hearts can
be as large as an automobile. A third issue features a
Colossal Squid. The squid is known from only a few
specimens. It is believed to reach a maximum size of over 40
feet (12 meters) and weigh as much as 1,650 pounds (750kg.).
. The copper-nickel versions of the coins have a mintage of
10,000 pieces and are 38.6mm in diameter. The titanium has a
mintage of 7,500 pieces, is 36.1mm in diameter, weighs 10 grams, and
come in a box with a Certificate of Authenticity. All the
coins portray Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and are Brilliant
Uncirculated.

PILOT
WHALES ON 2017 SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

Pilot
Whales are large, robust members of the dolphin family, which can weigh
as much as 7000 pounds (3,200kg.) and reach a length 24 feet (7.2
meters). These intelligent marine mammals form close social bonds and
live in tight-knit pods. The Pilot Whale received its name
due to a belief that the pod always follows a single leader.
This may be the reason why entire pods of Pilot Whales often strand
themselves on beaches – they follow their leader even when it makes a
fatal mistake. This 2017 copper-nickel 2 Pound coin
of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands shows Pilot Whale in
the foreground in the Antarctic waters with the head of a second whale
appearing above the water. The top of a third whale can be seen just
above the waterline in the background. Queen Elizabeth is on
the obverse. The coin is 38.6mm in diameter and is
Brilliant Uncirculated.

SOUTH
GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS 2016 MINKE WHALE COIN

A
Minke Whale swimming beneath the ocean with icebergs floating above
is featured on this 2016 dated 2 Pounds coin from South Georgia
& South Sandwich Islands. The Minke Whale usually
measures about 23 to 26 feet (7-8m) long and can weight as much as 10
tons. It can dive for as long as 20 minutes and can swim as
fast as 24mpg (38 km/h). The obverse of the coin features
Queen Elizabeth. The copper-nickel coin is 38.6mm in
diameter.

RARE SPECTACLED
PORPOISE ON SO.
GEORGIA
& SO. SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

The
threatened and rarely seen Spectacled Porpoise is featured on this
2014 copper-nickel 2 Pound coin from South Georgia and South Sandwich
Islands. The porpoises are fast, active swimmers that they normally
avoid boats. The dark rings around their eyes gives them the appearance
of wearing glasses, hence the name. They live in the cool
sub-Antarctic waters and
have occaisionally been spotted near South Georgia. Little is
known about their behaviour as most of the information has been gleaned
from stranded individuals. The 38.6mm coin features the
Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

WADDELL SEAL PUP ON
SOUTH GEORGIA
& SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND COIN

A
cute Waddell Seal Pup is pictured on this 2013 dated 2 Pound coin from
South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands. The Weddell
Seal is native to Antarctica and lives further south than any other
mammal. It was discovered and named by British sealing
Captain James Waddell, during his expeditions to the Waddell Sea.
When born the pups are around half the length of their
mother (ouch!) and weigh 25 to 30 kilograms. The
Weddell
Seal is remarkable for its ability to survive the bitter Antarctic
winters where they spend most of their time in the water to avoid
blizzards with only their heads poking through breathing holes in the
ice. It can remain underwater for as long as 80 minutes.
The obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel coin
features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

WILDLIFE
COINS OF TANZANIA

Animals are featured on this high-catalog value set from
Tanzania. Tanzania, located on the coast of Africa, was
founded when Tanganyika, formerly German East Africa, merged with
Zanzibar in 1964. The set includes the multi-sided1976 5
Senti which shows a sailfish, the scalloped 1979 10 Senti which shows a
Zebra, the 1979 20 Senti which shows an Ostrich, the 1989 50
Senti which shows a rabbit and the 1992 1 Shillingi features an
outstretched arm holding a torch. the coins are Brilliant
Uncirculated and together catalog for over $14.00. Our price
is MUCH less..

KINGDOM OF TAVOLARA

Tavolara
is a small island off the north-east coast of Sardinia with a
population of about 50 and is the home of a NATO radio base.
In 1836 Giuseppe Bertoleoni claimed to be the first king Tavolara,
which was said to be the smallest kingdom in the world. Since
then members of the Bertoleoni family have carried on the tradition of
the self-proclaimed kingdom and operates two seasonal restaurants on
the island. One side of the coin features the arms of the
Kingdom of the Tavolara. The other side depicts a Mouflon ram
and kid. At one time the island was famous for its wild
goats, however they were alblll removed when the NATO station was built
in 1962. The 40mm silver plated-Proof Tavolara coin is
denominated 100,000 Lire and dated 2017. It has a mintage of
just 200 pieces.

Item
TAVOLARA TAVOLARA 100,000 LIRE 2017
PROOF $22.00

TOKELAU SILVER COLOR
COIN FEATURES KILLER WHALES

The
small Pacific island nation of Tokelau features the Orcas or Killer
Whales, on this multi-colored sterling silver 2012 5 Dollar coin. Two
Orcas, one in full color, are shown leaping from the ocean. The obverse
depicts Queen Elizabeth, and a Tuluma bearing a cross. The
Tuluma, the national symbol of Tokalu, is a traditional wooden tackle
box used by fisherman. Tokelau, once known as the Union
Islands, consists of 3 small atolls with a population of only about
1,400. Though governed by New Zealand, it occasionally issues
coins for collectors. The attractive 38.6mm coin weighs 20
grams and has a mintage of only 2500 pieces.

Item
TK-ORKA TOKELAU 5 DOLLARS 2012 ORCA SILVER
PROOF $89.95

BI-METALLIC
COINS TURKISH COINS
DEPICT WILDLIFE

Turkey issues an annual series of two bimetallic 1 Lira
coins, each depicting an animal. The coins are all 26.15mm in
diameter and have the denomination and date on the
obverse. The 2009 issues depict an mother elephant and her calf on one
coin and a sea tortoise on the other. The 2009 issues have a mintage of
only 5000 of each coin. A Red
Deer and a
Leopard appear on the 2012 issues. The 2015 issues depict an
Anatolian Wild Sheep or Mouflon on one coin and a desert lizard on the
other. The 2015 issues have a mintage of only 50,000 each.

ISLES TUBUAI COIN
DEPICTS HUMPBACK WHALES

Tubuai is a French possession in the
South Pacific that consists of seven islands with a population of
2200. It has been inhabited since pre-historic
times. In 1789 the mutineers of the HMS Bounty attempted to
settle there, After numerous skirmishes with the natives over women and
property, the mutineers abandoned their settlement and departed. The
diseases they left, however, apparently decimated the native
population. The reverse of this unofficial pattern 2014 dated 500
Francs coin depicts a humpback whale and her calf. Above them is a
native sailing boat against the rising sun. The standard
French territorial obverse featuring Marianne, the national symbol of
France, and cargo ships is on the other side. The 40mm
silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 200 pieces.